How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
Everyone has values; even criminal gangs have values. Values govern people's behavior but principles govern the consequences of those behaviors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Values influence behavior, while principles determine the outcomes of those behaviors.
In this quote, Stephen Covey highlights the distinction between values and principles. He explains that while values may vary among individuals or groups—including negative entities like criminal gangs—they still play a significant role in shaping behavior. However, it is the principles that are universal and govern the consequences of those behaviors, ultimately leading to accountability and ethical standards in society.
Themes
ValuesPrinciplesBehaviorConsequencesMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on ethics, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of adhering to principles in both personal and professional conduct.
More from Stephen Covey
All quotes →If you want to have a more pleasant, cooperative teenager, be a more understanding, empathic, consistent, loving parent. If you want to have more freedom, more latitude in your job, be a more responsible, a more helpful, a more contributing employee.
Stephen CoveyRead
Listen with your eyes for feelings.
Stephen CoveyRead
If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
Stephen CoveyRead
Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
Stephen CoveyRead
Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
Stephen CoveyRead
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Strike the dog dead, it's but a critic!
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